E15 Policy Meets State Politics as Iowa Governor Primary Unfolds

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says the proposal would allow retailers to decide whether they want to offer E15 year-round.

DES MOINES, Iowa (RFD News) — Voters are heading to the polls today in six states, including Iowa, where U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-04) is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election, making it Iowa’s first open primary in nearly two decades.

Feenstra, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is one of five candidates competing in Iowa’s GOP primary. The race has drawn additional attention in recent days following President Trump’s endorsement of him.

Meanwhile, he continues advocating for year-round E15 sales after recently helping advance related legislation in the House.

“So for our farming community, for our producers, it’s so important,” Feenstra said. “I’ll also say this is that E15 is not a mandate. It’s just an opportunity that allows states to sell it year-round. It allows retailers to decide if they want to sell it in Iowa — 50% of our retailers currently sell it. This just creates an opportunity for the certainty that the retailers wanted to have, that they’re certain to sell at 12 months out of the year. That’s why, from all states, I believe that there’s going to be a great movement forward to selling this product and helping our producers and creating more domestic energy.”

If the federal measure to legalize year-round sales of E15 remains a standalone bill in the Senate — rather than being added back to the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill — it would require 60 votes before heading to President Trump’s desk.

Related Stories
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.
The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy of Utah joins Champions of Rural America to discuss her new leadership role in the Western Caucus and her perspective on the Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariff policy.
Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that imposing duties without Congressional authorization exceeds presidential powers. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the potential trade and agriculture implications of the recent ruling.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RFD NEWS Correspondent Tammi Arender takes us to Produce Ridge, where we meet Louisiana farmer Charles Holley as he continues a family legacy over 100 years old, and teaches his grandchildren the value of working the land.
Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
With deep agricultural ties, Dr. Carrie Castille, a South Louisiana native, aims to support ULM student success and connect rural communities.
Tennessee students share how the program fosters confidence, connection, and a sense of community
This week in Washington, National FFA members are advocating for the agriculture industry on Capitol Hill for National Ag Day.
Up-and-coming stock show competitor Saylor Soechting makes her Rodeo Austin debut, showcasing teamwork, dedication, and the next generation of livestock show competitors.